About Alex A.

About Alex

Professional Drummer and Teacher. Detailed bio coming soon.

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Reviews

Steve J. April 23, 2013·Drum·

Alex provides helpful and thorough instruction in a great teaching environment

My son Steve had started playing the drums in 5th grade as part of the school music program, but at age 11 he wanted to start taking them more seriously, so my wife and I bought him a shiny new drumset for Christmas. Lo and behold, it sat in our basement for a year without being touched. Finally, we insisted he take a few lessons and start practicing on his set; after much arm-twisting, we got him to agree to take lessons from Alex for three weeks before giving up on music entirely. After the first lesson, Steve came home, set up his drumset, and practiced for 3-4 hours every night that week. Alex provided him with ample practice materials to get started, and also exposed him to lots of different music to inspire him. Last week Steve was talking about Roy Haynes and Art Blakey, names I hadn't heard someone say since my father passed away (he was a HUGE jazz fan). In several months, my son has progressed to the point where he has to choose which friends to jam with on Saturdays--he simply doesn't have time for all of them! I've seen it affect his studies too--through elementary and middle school, Steve was an average student that did what he had to to get by, but this year he has really turned it around, finishing all his assignments the day they're assigned and going out of his way to complete extra credit opportunities in his classes. I am sure this motivation will seriously help him as he enters high school, as long as he keeps playing the drums and getting lessons from Alex. Although most of our lessons are in Alex's well-equipped studio, a couple times we needed him to come to our house and it wasn't a problem at all; he was on time and brought necessary materials with him. Alex's lessons have had a major impact on not only my son's musical development but his life, and I would strongly recommend him to any parent looking for a drum instructor.

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Alex A.

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Alex A.

Blauvelt, NY 10913

(1)

starting at

$45
/ 30-min

About David N

About David

I am a 20 year musician with 11 years teaching experience. Born and raised in New York City, I attended Laguardia high school for music and art and afterward Queens College majoring in music. My main instruments are Clarinet, Drums, and Saxophone, but i also have a strong background in Piano, Trumpet, and Flute. I've taken private music lessons for the past 15 years with world class musicians, among them David Weber and Howard Hirsch. I've performed in every major concert hall in New York City, including Carnegie Hall when i was only 11 years old. I performed alongside many famous musicians, including the late Tito Puente.

*** Lesson Details ***My teaching includes all aspects of music; Musical theory, sight singing, as well as Music History. My teaching style allows the child to have fun while they learn their instrument, but I emph

asize a strong practice regiment. Your child will understand that while learning music and an instrument can be fun, there will be some work involved if they want to become great. I usually use either the Alfred or Rubank method books to supplement a curriculum that I tailor make for each individual student. Any question or confusion a student has about anything during the lesson will be explained in detail and dealt with until he/she understands the concept. I've had many students pass all levels of the ABRSM and NYSSMA exams as well as receive academic scholarships for musical excellence.

*** Studio Equipment ***Lessons in the living room, drums set, piano,

*** Travel Equipment ***I require that students buy the books I suggest, but if it is necessary, I can provide photocopies of pages from the books that I own. I also require my students to provide all writing equipment.

Reviews

Noah January 19, 2018·Saxophone·In home

My son really enjoyed his first lesson. Looking forward to how he will progress.

Matt January 8, 2018·Trumpet·In home

David came on time for our schedule lesson and came in ready to go. He helped my son the corrected way to blow trumpet (which he never learn from school) and broke down lesson so that he is not over wheeled. In just first lesson, I can hear the difference in my son's use of trumpet.

matt September 13, 2017·Piano·In home

great teacher

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David N

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David N

Elmont, NY 11003

(20)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Asaf N.

From Marimba, to snare, to timpani, percussion is a wide ranging art with lots of technique and theory involved. Let's do it!

About Asaf

I would not be the person I am today if music wasn't the focal point in my life as it is. Not only do I absolutely love performing and studying music myself, but I adore teaching as well. Part of the musical experience is taking what you hear and what you learn from others and building on it to create your own musical contributions. I take the gifts other teachers and musicians have given me very seriously and subsequently feel the great importance of imparting my knowledge unto others.

Whether you want to be a professional, or just be competent enough to enjoy yourself, we all practice, study technique and gain knowledge about music with really only one goal in mind: To have all the tools necessary to express ourselves adeptly through music. All the technique in the world will not make you a great musician. Similarly, you can be extre

mely creative and knowledgeable, but if you don't have the technique and vocabulary needed to express your ideas, you will find yourself very limited and suppressed musically.

My philosophy about teaching follows that I am here to provide you with those tools in a fun, exciting way. When I say "tools" I mean the whole toolbox. This includes giving you the technique, correcting bad habits, providing listening material, finding holes in your playing and much more. A good music teacher must be more than an instructor, but a mentor and an inspirational guide. My best teachers were the ones who could cultivate my playing not just through the physical aspects but ESPECIALLY through the cerebral. We ALL need encouragement and inspiration to get the best out of our natural talent. I love to encourage my students to do their best. To strive to not only complete exercises, but to execute them well. Every student is different, and therefore I will tailor their education with me on an individual basis. I expect a lot out of my students because I strongly believe in my teaching ability as well as their ability to learn and feel good about their progress.

My approach to providing all these things is modeled around my best experiences in learning and performing. I've studied under some of the absolute best players and teachers in the world. Here are just a couple:

TOM KOLORGraduated from William Paterson as well as with a Masters from the Julliard School of MusicProfessor of Music at the University at Buffalo.

IAN FROMANProfessor of Drums at Berklee School of MusicProfessional, world renowned Drummer

I've also graduated Cum Laude from the University at Buffalo with a degree in Music Performance, Dean's List and Honor Roll awards.

Some of my experience includes being featured in Tommy Igoe's "Great Hands For a Lifetime" DVD which received 5 stars from Modern Drummer magazine in 2010. I've also played great venues like Gramercy Theatre and Central Park in NYC among others. I've played in Big Bands, Symphony Orchestras, Klesmer and Percussion ensembles, and more.

I really could go on forever talking about music, what it means to me, how I approach teaching, etc. When you love music and teaching as much as I do, you really can't help it. It's ingrained in you. Precisely as ingrained as I like to think being a fun, caring, disciplined, attentive teacher is in me. Whether it be for you or your child, I can easily promise that I will deliver the same success-bound mentoring that I have to my students for over 10 years running.

Can't wait to hear from you!

-Asaf

*** Lesson Details ***-I am here for you.

I would not teach if I wasn't very interested in the progress of my students. I want you to be the biggest, baddest, awe-inspiring drummer/percussionist possible. I want to ultimately end up at your shows and concerts and be able to say "That's MY student." You can always be guaranteed that when studying with me everything I assign has precisely that goal in mind.

-Strict or Laid Back?

Many people might ask if I'm strict, or laid back. My response is that I am excited and driven to help you reach success. I will never scold you because that sort of practice has no place in teaching. I also understand that learning isn't just a straight upwards incline of progression. We're all humans. Sometimes we progress astronomically in a short period of time and sometimes we have to fight hard to nail something. Sometimes we have a lot of time to practice, and sometimes we simply don't. My job is to make the most out of every situation and help you learn no matter what. That being said, I will still hound you to practice as much as healthily possible!

-What do you want out of music?

Probably the most important question I will undoubtedly ask you upon meeting you is why you are taking lessons. There is no way to formulate a tailored lesson plan if I don't know what it is you're working towards.

-Expected Material

Like I said, I can't tell you very specifically what your lesson plan will be, but I CAN give you examples of what I almost always assign. Individually written out exercises, exercises from books, assigned reading/listening, song covers, chart writing/reading, improvisational exercises, rudiment study, warm-up routines, among others.

-Don't be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Mistakes are part of the learning process! If you aren't making mistakes then I'm doing something wrong. Never be afraid to make mistakes.

-You Get What You Give

I promise I'll be there for you. I'll be there to give you the material and show you the path, but you're going to have to be there for yourself as well. The more prepared you are for our lessons, the more you will grow from the time we spend together.

Mastering an instrument takes time and effort both by student and teacher. The sooner we get started the sooner you get on that path. I'm ready whenever you are.

*** Travel Equipment ***Numerous practice pads and snare stands. I expect my students to only provide their own Drum Sticks and books.

*** Specialties ***I pride myself on being as versatile as I possibly can be. I can aptly teach most styles including Jazz, Rock, Funk, Latin, Hip Hop\R&B, Classical, and more.

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Reviews

Thomas L. October 9, 2015·Drum·In studio

Eventhough it was just our first lesson, Asaf is a patient teacher and gave lots instruction.

Sophia P. September 15, 2015·Drum·In studio

Very informative, we went over terminology, how important it is to have the proper sticks and the correct way to hold them. Reading the music and playing the proper beat. We did a lot for 1 lesson, my daughter loved it.

Bindia M. December 20, 2012··

Flexible teaching methods!

Asaf is just brilliant. During the first session, my son was very distracted by the other things in the music room ie lights, instruments etc but Asaf managed to engage him by being extremely flexible in his teaching ie he is not wedded to any order and has a lesson plan in mind but goes with the flow and the interest of the child - this ensures that all that was intended on being covered is, and as a result of the flexibility, my son just loves these drum lesson and Asaf. Asaf makes him focus and has built a great teacher/student relationship in only 3 session. I would highly recommend Asaf.

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Asaf N.

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Asaf N.

Bayside, NY 11361

(5)

starting at

$45
/ 30-min

About Yuichi H.

About Yuichi

Yuichi H. was born in Tokyo, Japan. His musical career started at age 10 when he performed marimba in a music recital. He started playing drum set at age 14 and joined a wind ensemble, a few rock bands, and a jazz big band. With some of these groups, he performed at several live music venues in Tokyo. In 1991, he composed the music and performed drums and percussion in a production of Othello, at The Globe Tokyo Panasonic Theater. In the fall of 1991, with a full scholarship, he attended Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. He studied jazz drums mainly with Joe Hunt and Jon Hazilla, and orchestral percussion with Dean Anderson. Also, he took many classes in jazz composition and arranging with Gregg Hopkins and Jeff Friedman. He was the recipient of "The Cuccinello Percussion Award" and the "Berklee Percussion Department Achievemen

t Award." Outside of the school curriculum, he joined several bands and performed at several venues such as the Willow Jazz Club, Middle East Cafe, and Copley Square Hotel. With one of these bands, he appeared at a jazz festival called "Jazz Improv." in Kingston, NY in 1993.

In the spring of 1995 he earned a Professional Diploma in Performance and Jazz Composition from Berklee College.His ambition to learn and play music made him move to New York City. He continued his studies at The City College of New York, CUNY, NY, and earned a Masters degree in jazz performance in the spring of 2000. There, he studied jazz and contemporary drums with Charli Persip, Kim Plainfield, and Mark Walker. Also, he studied jazz ensemble, and arranging with Grammy award winning bassist Ron Carter. Currently, as a full-time freelance drummer, he appears at various live music venues in New York City, and around the tri-state area as well. His own jazz band has performed at Arthur's Tavern in Greenwich Village every Tuesday since September 2001, and he has also appeared at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York in 2003, 2004 and 2005. He has also been touring in Tokyo and Kyushu, Japan.

As a sideman, he has performed at the Birdland Jazz Club in New York with the Morris Brothers Band in 2000, and also at the April Jazz Festival in Finland with the Jay Sweeney R&B Experience in 1999. With his wide-ranged interest in music, he plays not only jazz, but also rock, R&B, funk, blues, country, Brazilian and afro-Cuban.John Scofield, Larry Carlton, John Abercrombie, Robben Ford, John Petrucci (Dream Theatre), Percy Heath (MJQ), Ron Carter, Donald Byrd, and Barry Harris are among some of the more notable musicians that Yuichi has performed with.

Yuichi is an excellent and experienced educator. He taught drums at the National Guitar Workshop since 1997 and also at the Roosevelt Island School in 2004. His students range from 9 years old to experienced adults. He has clear objectives and a passion for all lessons, units, projects, and is able to share these objectives with his students very clearly. Also, with his skill to plan instruction programs for music that meets individual needs, interests, and abilities of students, he worked for the Jazz Workshop in Yamaguchi, Japan in 2002, 2003, and 2006. There he played a very important role as a program coordinator as well as a translator. At this workshop, he worked with jazz legends, Barry Harris, Richard Davis, and Lewis Nash.

*** Lesson Details ***After so many years since I grabbed a pair of drum sticks for the first time, I still get the same joy and excitement when I play music with drums nowadays. The better I have an idea about music, the more fun I get. It seems that my drumming gets better as long as I have specific goals every time I practice playing drums, and that keeps me wanting to play more.

By teaching how to play drums, I like to share this fun with you. In order to do that, I will make an ideal practice plan specifically designed for you. If you know what songs you like to play, then I will show you what to practice on drums and how you are doing. It might be helpful if you understand the song in terms of what it consists in term of verses and choruses, chord changes, instrumentation, etc. Whenever you like, I can talk about these things as well. You could take it as a kind of music theory, but I keep in my mind that your primary interest is getting better on drums.

If you do not have particular songs in your mind right now but you want to play drums, No problem. I will be happy to introduce you many different kinds of songs/tunes until you find one to play. Or if you just want to play some hot drum solos, I sure got some great stuff to work on to it. Either playing a song or playing just solo drums, I will show you many different techniques to work on, and I will keep watching how you are doing on drumming. I look forward to meeting you and starting work on building your fun with music!Thank you for visiting my profile site!Yuichi (pronounce 'you-each-ee')

Reviews

Ikuko S. May 11, 2013·Drum·

Great Teacher

Yuichi has been a really great teacher for our 7 years old son. He is very patient and really great with kids. He's made a real effort to get our son interested in drumming and music more generally, introducing to different sounds, rhythms and types of music. My son really enjoys his lesson and is making good progress!

David S. November 6, 2012··

Inspiring teacher

Yuichi inspires you to improve, and shows you how. Simple as that.

MelissaW January 6, 2012··

Our son is 7 years old and started drum lessons with Yuichi several months ago. My son absolutely loves his classes with Yuichi and would go more than once a week if he could. We are very happy with Yuichi. He makes the lesson fun and interesting for our son, and at the same time teaching him what he needs to know so he continues to make progress. He is a great match for our son.

*** Lesson Details ***Lessons are strictly designed to meet your needs as a musician. Focus will be on technique, reading, playing different styles & learning songs. Your feedback is just as important!

*** Studio Equipment ***(In home lessons only at this time)

*** Travel Equipment ***Hopefully the student has a drum set at home. I can supply a practice pad, sticks, etc.

Rob E.

Rob E.

About Nicholas S.

About Nicholas

Nick (b. 1987 in New York City) composes, produces, performs and records music for live presentation, film, video, and dance. He began performing at age 9 around his hometown of Asheville, NC, and won a number of prestigious awards and scholarships.

In 2004, still in high school, Nick composed original jazz pieces for his jazz trio. The prestigious Jazz Composers Forum debuted the combo, which then played a variety of high-profile events through 2006.

In January 2006 Nick performed at The International Jazz Festival Lapataia in Punta del Este, Uruguay with jazz saxophonist Alex Han.

te 40" in 2010. Later that year Nick received his degree in Music Composition.

In 2012, he released an album of original songs and compositions, entitled "Foolish Fantasy."

He currently resides in Brooklyn, NY, where he works full-time performing, composing, and teaching music. Recent projects have included successful runs off-Broadway and scores for major video-game releases.

*** Lesson Details ***I do not believe in a one-size fits all philosophy when it comes to piano lessons. I tailor-fit all my lessons to the particular student's goals.

Students find my demeanor laid-back, personal, upfront, and patient.

I like to incorporate tidbits of relevant music history to contextualize the music we work on. To me, it keeps things more interesting!

Sometimes lesson books may not be necessary. When appropriate, I prefer teaching from the Bastien book series.

Reviews

Our son is very much enjoying piano lessons with Nicholas. He recommended instruction books for learning to read musical notation and he is making great progress.

Maurice B. November 24, 2015·Piano·In home

Very good instructor. Looking forward to future lessons.

Melissa June 30, 2015·Piano·In home

Nick teaches my 6 year old son, Teddy piano and he is really truly wonderful. He's so patient with my son and gets him back in focus when Teddy tries to talk about mine craft or some other subject not related to piano. Teddy loves him and has learned a lot from him. I highly recommend Nick!

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Nicholas S.

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Nicholas S.

Brooklyn, NY 11225

(6)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Marcin W.

About Marcin

At the age of 12 Marcin began learning guitar by himself. Beginning the educational process through tabs and other internet resources available to him. While in college Marcin began studying classical guitar, composition, theory and history and in 2012 received a Masters from Hunter college in performance and composition. It is in college that he progressed the most technically. As a guitarist he is versatile as he feels comfortable reading music, playing jazz standards, funk, blues, rock, and improvising freelyDuring his first few years in college he began playing and trying other instruments such as piano, bass guitar, bongos, and to this day, continually learns and studies diverse instruments

As a composer, he has composed music for Trios, Quartets, Quintets, Sextets, Orchestras of various instrument permutations, Choirs, and also

a short opera.

Marcin has been teaching since 2010 and greatly enjoys seeing students grow and improve. He breaks down all his concepts in great detail, making them easy to digest and comprehend.

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Reviews

Donna T. November 3, 2014·Classical Guitar·In studio

I have always wanted to play the guitar but felt too intimidated. A friend told me about TakeLessons and I chose Marcin because he seemed to have a lot of different experiences with music.

Marcin was extremely professional and nice and made me feel at ease. He made it easy to ask questions and explained things really well for me. I took five lessons with him (I've been traveling and haven't been back yet) and was able to play a few songs. What I really like was Marcin's enthusiasm, which, for me, is really encouraging. He was interested in my goals and kept them in mind with each lessons. I could tell that he was preparing each lesson just for me and based on my progress and I felt that I could be honest with what I was doing. Totally recommend Marcin for lesson!

Zhenxing L. June 6, 2014·Guitar·In studio

Marchin has prepared a lot to satisfy my goal and he teaches me how to practice independently in the future. So, I can keep improving my guitar skills myself without the lesson.
More over, his lesson is pretty casual and funny. I feel comfortable with it.

Yan C.

Yan C.

About Michael T.

Experienced music teacher of 7 years available for eager students of all experience levels and ages! I have played on Drum lines for close to 10 years. I have also been the assistant directer of CYO Emerald Knights Drumline and Director of the BSCS Drumline.

About Michael

Michael A Tate graduated from the prestigious Music Education Program and Psychology Program at Ithaca College in 2012. Ithaca gave him the incredible opportunity to hone in on his musicianship and compositional skills. He was also able to discover a new medium of composition, film composition. Tate immediately fell in love with the art of writing music for film and was able to make his first musical debut on a film directed by Mike Blaney. In his time at Ithaca College, he composed scores for multiple films and continues to maintain an active composition career. Tate is currently finishing as a music teacher Brooklyn Scholars Charter School (BSCS) and Music Content Leader for National Heritage Academies (NHA) New York Branch. In the fall Tate will be returning to school to study the psychological benefits of music education for children

and adolescents, while teaching private lessons.

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Reviews

David O. November 8, 2017·Saxophone·In home

Started on time and the first session went very well.

Atticus (. March 16, 2017·Trumpet·In home

Michael was very professional and kind. My son loved his lesson!

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Michael T.

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Michael T.

Forest Hills, NY 11375

(2)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Dru R.

Release your inner rock star or Nick Cannon with fun, modern, and progressive lessons in percussion from a professional musician with a Bachelors in Music Performance and expertise in Steel Drums, Marching Percussion, Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Concert Percussion, and Front Ensemble. Dru has experience teaching students ages 5 - 22 and can help students of all ages reach their goals -- whether that be learning to read music, learning to play well enough to impress your friends, or preparing for an audition to music school or high school band.

About Dru

Dru is a professional percussionist and teacher living and working in New York City. She graduated from Appalachian State University with 2 Bachelors Degree -- one in Music Performance and the other in Business Administration. While at App State, she was the president of the Steely Pan Steel Band and spent the majority of her days traveling North Carolina and surrounding states spreading the love of the Trinidad namesake instrument, the Steel Pan. She also was a member of the New Paradigm Quartet, ASU Percussion Ensemble, and the ASU Tabla Ensemble. In addition, she taught drumline and front ensemble for three years at Athens Drive High School, Bunker Hill High School, and Eastern Alamance High School. These days she is a bookkeeper by day and gigging, teaching, and even *pretend* playing on the upcoming season of Amazon's Mozart in the

Jungle by night! She is also heavily involved in Bollywood dancing, learning to speak Hindi, and a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC.

For more information, don't miss a beat, drop her a message!

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Reviews

Anna August 27, 2017·Steel Drums·

Dru is AMAZING! So great with the kids. Patient and knowledgeable!

Mikey August 22, 2017·Percussion·In home

If you're looking for a professional yet fun instructor, Dru should be your top choice. She is not only patient and thoughtful when teaching you a new technique - she is also skilled in ensuring that you are enjoying your lesson. Dru is clearly a master when it comes to percussion and music theory, and she will help make you one, too!

Connor August 19, 2017·Steel Drums·In studio

Dru is seriously amazing! Her patience is very admirable and she knows SO MUCH about music. She is very passionate about steel pan, which made it easy for me to stay motivated.